Loading ...Originally written by BILL MELDRUM
GLENELG Shire Council is searching for a new engineering services manager following the surprise resignation of John Keller.
Mr Keller (53), has been appointed as general manager at Portland-based earthmoving company Mibus Bros Pty Ltd.
A laid back and relaxed Mr Keller admitted yesterday it was ambition that resulted in the move.
“I’ve been in local government for a touch short of 30 years, and if I was to move forward in my career in local government to become a CEO or something like that, I would have had to pack up and leave everything I have in Portland Ñ I didn’t want to do that,” he said.
“There aren’t too many opportunities that become available in Portland, so when the position at Mibus Bros was advertised it was an opportunity too good to miss.”
He praised the staff at the council, saying that there were a lot of good things that had been achieved within the shire, and programs that were starting to come to fruition.
“I think the improvements we have made to waste management in the shire have been pretty good and there’s still a bit to do, but those people who remember the old Portland landfill and compare it to what is there now would appreciate the improvement,” he said.
“The asset management programs will start bearing fruit soon too … we’ve already done the roads, and council-owned buildings are in the public arena at the moment, then there will be plans for parks and gardens, drains…”
Mr Keller said he believed the towns within the shire looked good when compared to other towns in the State.
He said the accountability factor within local government sometimes slowed processes down.
“I’m not saying that’s a good or bad thing, it’s just that in private enterprise decisions can be made faster,” he said.
Shire chief executive officer Jennifer Tod said the council, managers and staff had valued Mr Keller’s engineering expertise and support over the years, and also his commitment to the job and the community.
The council will advertise the engineering services manager’s position immediately.
Mr Keller will remain in the council position until early next month.
MOVING ON ... shire engineering services manager John Keller. Picture: EBONY YUILL 060207ey02
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